National Technical Reports Library

Remagen Bridgehead, Offensive, Hasty Assault, River Crossing.

ADA163875

Publication Date

1984

Personal Author

Oyloe, M.; Donnell, C.; Gilmore, R.; Hagan, W.; Hardie, R.

Page Count

83

Abstract

On 7 March 1945, a task force from the US 9th Armored Division discovered the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen still standing. It was the only Rhine River bridge not demolished by the Germans. Taking a gamble, the leading elements of the task force attacked the bridge, raced across and established a bridgehead on the east bank. The bridgehead was rapidly reinforced and expanded drawing units from other parts of the front. Although the Germans made repeated attempts to demolish the bridge and conducted numerous counterattacks, divisions of three US Corps (III, V, & VII Corps) were rushed across the river. The lessons of Remagen include defense of a bridgehead and exploitation of a successful attack. (Author)

On 7 March 1945, a task force from the US 9th Armored Division discovered the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen still standing. It was the only Rhine River bridge not demolished by the Germans. Taking a gamble, the leading elements of the task force attacked the bridge, raced across and established a bridgehead on the east bank. The bridgehead was rapidly reinforced and expanded drawing units from other parts of the front. Although the Germans made repeated attempts to demolish the bridge and conducted numerous counterattacks, divisions of three US Corps (III, V, & VII Corps) were rushed across the river. The lessons of Remagen include defense of a bridgehead and exploitation of a successful attack. (Author)